Conventional Ultrasonic Scaler Research Articles

In Vitro Evaluation of Root Surface Roughness in The Use of an Ultrasonic Device with Different Tips Having Different Mechanism of Action: A Profilometric Study

Objective: The aim of this study was the profilometric evaluation of the changes in root surface roughness created by different types of ultrasonic tips and mechanism of action.
 Methods: Thirty root dentine samples obtained from 15 maxillary premolars, extracted for orthodontic reasons, were included in the study. The sample surfaces were embedded into acrylic blocks, polished, and divided into 3 study groups as linear oscillating device (LOD) with straight tip (ST); LOD with perio-curette tip (PCT); conventional ultrasonic scaler tip (CUST). A calibrated clinician instrumented all surfaces in each group. The root surfaces were evaluated before and after instrumentations with a profilometer device.
 Results: There were no statistical differences between the initial roughness values of the groups (p

Efficacy of photodynamic therapy vs ultrasonic scaler for preventing gingival inflammation and white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment.

The complex designs of fixed orthodontic appliances hinder proper access for cleaning, favouring the development of gingival inflammation and white spot lesions around brackets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness to avoid these undesirable effects by using two prophylactic methods: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and conventional ultrasonic scaler (US), in patients during fixed orthodontic treatment. Twenty patients under orthodontic treatment for at least 15 months were randomly divided into two groups: PDT mediated by methylene blue (MB) and US. Both treatments were applied in repeated doses (four times in intervals of 2 weeks in the beginning of the study (T0), with booster doses at 3, 6 and 9 months, T1, T2 and T3, respectively). Periodontal clinical parameters (full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and probing depth (PD)) were recorded as well as the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) index. Samples of subgingival plaque and saliva (for determination of 4 periodontopathogens and mutans streptococci, respectively), were collected at T0 and at the follow-ups of T1, T2 and T3. The evolution of FMPS, FMBS, PD, ICDAS scores as well as the counts of periodontopathogens and salivary mutans streptococci was similar after US or PDT implementation. Greatest periodontal scores reduction took place at T1 for FMBS and PD and at T2 for FMPS. Main microbial reduction took place at T1. ICDAS index began to increase from T2. No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed. Additional treatment of PDT or US in repeated doses delayed undesired side effects during fixed orthodontic treatment in young patients with low caries risk and signs of gingival inflammation.

Effects of an Erbium:Yttrium‐Aluminum‐Garnet Laser and Ultrasonic Scaler on Titanium Dioxide‐Coated Titanium Surfaces Contaminated With Subgingival Plaque: An In Vitro Study to Assess Post‐Treatment Biocompatibility With Osteogenic Cells

Effects of conventional ultrasonic scaler versus an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on titanium surfaces contaminated with subgingival plaque from patients with peri-implantitis are evaluated in terms of: 1) plaque and biocorroded titanium oxide coating removal; 2) surface change induction; and 3) residual biocompatibility toward osteoblasts. Subgingival plaque-coated titanium disks with a moderately rough surface were fixed with ethanol and treated with an ultrasonic scaler (metal tip) or Er:YAG laser (20.3 or 38.2 J/cm2) in non-contact mode. Fluorescent detection of residual plaque was performed. Disk surface morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Viability, attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of Saos-2 osteoblasts on new and treated disks were assayed by propidium iodide/DNA stain assay and confocal microscopic analysis of cytoskeleton, Ki67, expression of osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase, and formation of mineralized nodules. Both methods resulted in effective debridement of treated surfaces, the plaque area being reduced to 11.7% with the ultrasonic scaler and ≤0.03% with the Er:YAG laser (38.2 J/cm2). Ultrasound-treated disks showed marked surface changes, incomplete removal of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) layer, and scanty plaque aggregates, whereas the Er:YAG laser (38.2 J/cm2) completely stripped away the plaque and TiO2 layer, leaving a micropitted surface. Both treatments maintained a good biocompatibility of surfaces to Saos-2 osteoblasts. Air-water cooling kept disk temperature below the critical threshold of 47°C. This study shows that an ultrasonic scaler with metal tip is less efficient than high-energy Er:YAG irradiation to remove the plaque and TiO2 layer on anodized disks, although both procedures appear capable of restoring an adequate osseoconductivity of treated surfaces.

Comparison of nonsurgical periodontal therapy with hand scaler, conventional ultrasonic scaler, and vector™ ultrasonic system in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis

Background: The purpose of the study was to compare clinical efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy with hand scaler, conventional ultrasonic scaler, and Vector™ ultrasonic system in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with generalized chronic periodontitis fitting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned to one of the three treatment groups (n = 20 in each group). Group I – hand scalers, Group II – conventional ultrasonic scalers, and Group III – Vector™ ultrasonic system. Before oral prophylaxis, clinical parameters (gingival index [GI], plaque index [PI], calculus index [CI], periodontal probing depth [PPD], clinical attachment loss [CAL], and hypersensitivity) were recorded. GI, PI, CI, and hypersensitivity were reevaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks. PPD and CAL were reevaluated at 6 and 12 weeks. Results and Conclusion: The results showed that nonsurgical therapy with Vector™ ultrasonic system is clinically comparable in all the parameters, to hand and conventional ultrasonic scalers, suggesting that it can be used as a gentle root debridement device for supportive periodontal therapy, as an alternative to other ultrasonic or sonic scalers.

Evaluation of the safety and efficiency of novel metallic ultrasonic scaler tip on titanium surfaces

To evaluate the safety and efficiency of novel ultrasonic scaler tips, conventional stainless-steel tips, and plastic tips on titanium surfaces. Mechanical instrumentation was carried out using conventional ultrasonic scalers (EMS, Nyon, Switzerland) with novel metallic implant tip (BS), a plastic-headed tip (ES), a plastic tip (PS) and a conventional stainless-steel tip (CS) on 10 polished commercially pure titanium disks (Grade II) per group. Arithmetic mean roughness (R(a) ) and maximum height roughness (R(y) ) of titanium samples were measured and dissipated power of the scaler tip in the tip-surface junction was estimated to investigate the scaling efficiency. The instrumented surface morphology of samples was viewed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface profile of the each sample was investigated using contact mode with a commercial atomic force microscope (AFM). There were no significant differences in surface roughness (R(a) and R(y) ) among BS, ES, and PS group. However, CS group showed significant higher surface roughness (R(a) and R(y) ). The efficiency of CS tip is twice as much higher than that of BS tip, the efficiency of BS tip is 20 times higher than that of PS tip, and the efficiency of BS tip is 90 times higher than that of ES tip. Novel metallic copper alloy ultrasonic scaler tips may minimally influence the titanium surface, similar to plastic tip. Therefore, they can be a suitable instrument for implant maintenance therapy.

The use of a linear oscillating device in periodontal treatment: a review

The Vector system is an ultrasonic instrument that was introduced in 1999, and treatment outcomes with Vector have been compared with those achieved with the "gold standard" of scaling and root planing with Gracey curettes as well as conventional ultrasonic scalers. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding the Vector method. This review is based on a MEDLINE search of the use of Vector up to January 2008 (focused on in vitro findings, periodontal treatment, peri-implantitis therapy, clinical and microbiological data, and patient considerations). The MEDLINE search identified 128 papers, of which 18 were found to be relevant to this review. A hand search of the periodontal literature over the same period resulted in identification of a further 10 relevant papers. Vector used for treatment of chronic periodontitis results in clinical and microbiological outcomes comparable to those achieved by manual instrumentation and conventional ultrasonic instruments. Vector is less efficient when removing large masses of calculus, however, and cannot be recommended for the treatment of peri-implantitis. Vector may be particularly useful in periodontal maintenance care as it is well tolerated by patients and results in less removal of cementum than other instruments.

Use of the Vector™ scaling unit in supportive periodontal therapy: a subjective patient evaluation

Patient discomfort is one reason for poor compliance with supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). The aim of this study was to compare the levels of discomfort during SPT, using the Vector system and treatment with a conventional ultrasonic scaler. Forty-six patients with an SPT programme were debrided using both the Vector system and a conventional piezo-electric scaler (Sirona) in a split mouth design. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate of pain scores upon completion of treatment. A verbal response scale(VRS) was used to assess discomfort, vibration and noise associated with the scaling system, as well as the volume and taste of the coolant used by these systems. Patients instrumented with the Vector system experienced approximately half the amount of pain compared with the conventional ultrasonic scaling system. The VRS showed that the Vector system caused less discomfort than the conventional ultrasonic scaling system when assessed for pain, vibration, noise and volume of coolant. These findings were all statistically significant. There was, however, no statistically significant difference between the two systems when assessed for taste. During SPT the Vector system caused reduced discomforting sensations compared with conventional methods and may be useful in improving compliance with SPT programmes.

The Comparative Effect of Ultrasonic Scalers on Titanium Surfaces: An In Vitro Study

Professional maintenance is as important for patients with dental implants as it is for patients with natural teeth. However, no proper maintenance instruments have been available for implant patients. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of a new ultrasonic scaler (VR), a conventional ultrasonic scaler (SP), and a plastic scaler (PS) on titanium surfaces. To simulate subgingival conditions, the implant healing abutments were connected to acrylic resin blocks with artificial gingiva using silicon impression material. The abutments were painted with ink as an artificial form of debris. The ink was removed with the VR, SP, or PS scaler for 60 seconds under standardized conditions, and the removal rate was calculated. The roughness of the abutment surface was measured with a profilometer and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The removal rate using the VR and SP scalers was higher than that using the PS scaler. No significant differences in the surface roughness or SEM observations were found among the VR, SP, or PS scalers. In this preliminary study, the new ultrasonic scaler and conventional ultrasonic scaler were shown to be useful for removing artificial debris and produced no significant damage to titanium surfaces compared to plastic scalers. We concluded that new and conventional ultrasonic scalers with a non-metal tip would be suitable for implant maintenance.